 Shri Svarnamandir Teerth located in Punjab is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated in the heart of Shishamahal Bazar. The temple is dedicated to Shri Vasupujya Swami, the twelfth Jain Tirthankara.
History of Shri Svarnamandir Teerth As per the historical record Shri Svarnamandir Teerth is a very ancient teerth. The teerth was earlier a rich city and many people resided here. According to reference earlier in Vikram Savant Era 3 there were 500 Jain temples here which proves the antiquity of the place. However, only one temple survives now. The temple was constructed by Lala Gujaraamalaji and his son Dolatmalaji. It resembles the Golden Temple. The dome of the temple has been decorated and covered with sheets of gold. Lala Gujaramalaji had spent a huge amount of money for the building the temple. It is for this reason that the temple is known as Svarnamandir. This is the only temple of this kind in India. The temple was ceremonious installed in 1950 of the Vikram Samvat Era. The idol of Shri Vasupujya Swami is believed to possess miraculous powers and is visited by thousands of Jains and non Jains from far off places. They come here to offer their prayers to the Lord and receive his blessings. It is believed that if prayed with all devotion the Lord fulfils the wishes of the pilgrims. Temple of Shri Svarnamandir Teerth The temple of Shri Svarnamandir Teerth houses the idol of Shri Vasupujya Swami. The temple has been magnificently decorated with intricate artistic designs. Embellished with gold, the temple looks stunning. The creative temple work boast about the skills of the craftsmen. The walls and pillars of the temple are well adorned with specimens of ancient art and paintings. The idol of the Lord is white in colour and is seated in a padmasana posture. The smiling face of the Lord looks very calm and serene. Apart from this there is another idol of quartz colour. The idol of Shri Vasupujya Swami is flaunted by idols of Lord Mahavira and Lord Parshvanatha on one side and those of Bhagwan Rishabh Dev and Lord Sumatinath on the other side. Just in the vicinity of this Svarnamandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha has been constructed by the Shri Sangha. The temple is 32 feet in height and 36 ft in breadth and has been well decorated. The temple also has an exquisite Samavasarana in metal that has been brought from the temple at Kota Kangada. Shri Svarnamandir Teerth perhaps is the only Jain temple where the idol of Acharya Shri Vijayanand Suri Ji Maharaj was installed during his lifetime. It was done with his due permission. The teerth also has a very rich library where many valuable ancient manuscripts can be seen. These have been hand written and are worth seeing. The Temple of Sri Svarnamandir Teerth organizes many annual gatherings and functions that are celebrated with much enthusiasm. There are provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims that are well equipped with all modern facilities. There are also facilities for Upashrays, Ayambilshala and Jnanabhandar. The teerth being situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings attracts many pilgrims. The surrounding greenery and the beauty of the teerth mesmerize and fascinate the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil village environment makes it a perfect place for religious activities. The kshetra is well connected to road, rail and air. Taxi services and bus services are easily available here. The nearest bus stand is located at Hoshiarpur. The nearest railway station is situated in Amritsar and Jalandhar. The closest airport is located at Amritsar, Ludhiana and Chandigarh. |
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